The government of Kogi State has reemphasised its total commitment to the peaceful coexistence and safety of the people of the state. The State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), said this on Thursday, May 18th 2017 at the at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, while presenting 260 motorbikes and 10 Ford trucks to officers of the Kogi State Vigilante Service on behalf of the Governor Yahaya Bello administration.
He said the significant improvement in security witnessed in the last 14 months in the State was testament to the considerable investment the New Direction government has made in the sector. He said the development of the state will be built on a firm foundation of peace and security.
"When we came on board, there were 93 expatriates living and working in Kogi State, today there are over 170," Mr. Omodara said. "Before this government, Kogi was one of the many states where warnings were issued not to visit. In the last four months, we have hosted the United States Ambassador, the British High Commissioner and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria. These are indications that we are getting it right and the international community has noticed the improvement. Kogi is ripe and ready for investment.
"What we are doing today is providing support for officers of the Kogi State Vigilante Service. One motorbike will be going to each ward in the state, and the Commander at the local government level will get an extra motorbike. This crimes to a total of 260 motorcycles. This is to aid community policing, which we believe is a vital part of our security architecture.
"The trucks will be stationed at some points along some major roads where there are flashes of armed robbery and kidnappings."
The Commander of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, Col. Hassan Aliyu (RTd.), promised the judicious deployment and use of the vehicles provided. He said the service would ultimately recruit and train 3,000 officers across the state.
One of the recruits, Adepoju Suleiman, praised the Governor of the State for being steadfast and committed to battling insecurity.
"I am happy that our roads are safer today. There was a time you couldn't travel from Lokoja to Kabba without fear. Now, you can even travel at night and be sure that you will arrive safely. We promise not to fail in our task of keeping our communities safe. We will use these vehicles to the glory of God and the betterment of Kogi State."
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